The Ambassador Bridge was completed and opened in 1929. It is the longest international suspension bridge in the world, spanning 564 metres. Today, the Ambassador Bridge is the busiest international border crossing in North America in trade volume, seeing ¼ of commercial trade between Canada and the United States. In the distance, you may be able to see the towers of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will exceed the Ambassador Bridge is size and length when completed.

You can view the bridge from the beautiful waterfront trail. While there, visit the Windsor Sculpture Park, Windsor's museum without walls, showcasing more than 30 large-scale works of art.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library
Information from: Museum Windsor

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is a curated archive that preserves and shares Amherstburg’s stories of the Underground Railroad, and the compassion and solidarity it took to make this network possible. It is entirely appropriate, and even necessary, that the Museum was established in Amherstburg. Amherstburg meant freedom, as the Canadian destination for many Freedom Seekers escaping enslavement in the United States.

The Museum is uniquely situated to resource a profound history, steeped in its surroundings, to further extend public knowledge and enjoyment. This site includes a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Nazrey A.M.E. Church & the Taylor Log Cabin, home of a Freedom Seeker.

Information Provided by: Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

The Canadian Aviation Museum is located at the Windsor Airport, and the Museum occupies the original hangar of #7 Elementary Flying Training School built in 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The museum is home to Windsor's own Lancaster Bomber and Mosquito Bomber.

The Lancaster is the most famous and successful Royal Air Force heavy bomber of World War Two. There are only 17 Lancaster bombers left in the world, and only 2 are currently flying - 7,377 were built.

Guided tours of the museum and archives are available. Be sure to book a fly over experience in a vintage Yellow Bird aircraft!

Images courtesy of: Canadian Aviation Museum & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information from: Canadian Aviation Museum

Situated on a 100 acre site housing one of the largest transportation museums in Ontario, the museum hosts a fine collection of original, fully-restored vehicles from the 19th and 20th centuries, from horse drawn wagons to a Dodge Viper. Be sure to visit the heritage village, with 20 buildings from Windsor-Essex ranging from the 1700s-1920s and the only Ambulance museum in Canada. Grab breakfast at the 50’s Diner, check out a car show, hunt for treasures at local flea markets, or solve a mystery in the village. There is something for everyone!

Willistead Manor, Coach House and Gate House were designed by noted architect Albert Kahn, and built in 1906. Originally housing horses and carriages, the Coach House in Willistead Park now holds an exhibit telling the story of Hiram Walker, the Walker Family & Legacy, Edward & Mary Walker, construction of Willistead Manor & more. Guests can catch the documentary Walkerville’s Willistead Manor: The Home That Shaped A Community.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive

Cooper Court was the home of philanthropist bootlegger James Scott Cooper (1874 – 1931), one of the wealthiest liquor barons in Canada during the Prohibition Era. He took advantage of a loophole that did not make it illegal for Ontario distilleries to fill orders from outside of the province. He set up an office in Detroit where Ontarians could order their alcohol, then fill those orders from alcohol stored in Windsor warehouses. He used a portion of his amassed fortune to help develop the community of Belle River, including the Cooper Court Hotel and Bar.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Victoria Beaulieu of Maidstone Bicentennial Museum

Indigenous Peoples have used the Detroit River and the Great Lakes as a principal means of travel, resource gathering and trade for more than 6,000 years. The oldest artifacts in this area date back 10 - 12 thousand years. Today, the Detroit River is one of the busiest international crossings in North America and of extreme economic importance.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor, Windsor Public Library

Since 1930, the historic Windsor-Detroit Tunnel has been one of the busiest international border crossings, connecting downtown Windsor, Ontario, Canada and downtown Detroit, Michigan, USA. Approximately 12,000 vehicles pass through the 1.5km tunnel daily with over 4 million crossing per year! The tunnel is still recognized as one of the great engineering wonders of the world. It lies about a mile below the Detroit River and consists of 80,000 cubic yards of concrete and 750 tons of reinforced steel.

If you are crossing into the U.S., be sure to look for the flags on the tiles of the tunnel walls as you cross the border. This is the only underwater-tunnel for automobiles, that crosses an International border, in the world!

Images Courtesy of: Windsor Public Library
Information from: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel

This museum houses 19th century and early 20th century gas and steam powered engines and tractors. Open for tours May through Sept, it strives to educate the public about the heritage of gas and steam engines in Canada. Visit in August for the annual Steam and Gas Engine Show, running for over 37 years!

Images & Information Courtesy of: Essex Steam and Gas Engine Museum

Ford City developed out of a French parish, Notre Dame du Lac, founded in 1884 on land donated by Francois Drouillard. Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company in Windsor in 1904, the first major automaker in Canada. Plant 1 was constructed on reclaimed Detroit River land between 1912 and 1914, including a 15’ tall Ford sign.

The plant underwent a rapid expansion prior to and during WWII. By 1941, 11,000 Canadians helped kept the factory operating day and night. Ford’s Windsor facility was essential to the British forces, as thousands of Canadian-made trucks, gun tractors, specialized army vehicles and other mechanized units were shipped overseas. The area quickly became a boomtown that flourished throughout WWII becoming the largest manufacturer of land-based military vehicles in the British Commonwealth.

In autumn of 1945, a major strike stilled the auto plant in what has become the legendary '99 Days.’ The resulting agreement set the tone for future development of trade unions and the role of management. For more information, visit the Ford City Walking Tour.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library Information From: Ford City Walking Tour

Fort Malden, formerly Fort Amherstburg, stood guard during the war of 1812, a time when the threat of American invasion was very real. Here, Major General Isaac Brock met with Shawnee War Chief Tecumseh to launch a successful attack on Detroit, leading to the surrender of the entire territory of Michigan. The Americans took over the Fort for almost two years after the British abandoned it following their defeat at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. The Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-1838 saw troops return to the Fort to defend against attacks by rebels and their American sympathizers. The Fort offers a view of Canada’s early military history. Visit Fort Malden today and hear the blast of a Brown Bess musket and watch as a costumed interpreter explains the challenge of firing weapons similar to those used in the Rebellions of 1837-1838.

Pensioners Cottages: In 1851, eighty-two Enrolled Army Pensioners and their families were brought to Amherstburg to serve as a military presence and maintain the Fort. Families were given property on the Military Reserve, and a small cottage was erected on each property. The cottages consisted of a combined living room/kitchen with a stove for heating and cooking and one or two small bedrooms.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Fort Malden National Historic Site & Marsh Historical Collection

This monument dedicates the site where the Jesuits held the first mass in Belle River, Ontario in 1834. Erected June 24, 1951. Please respect private property.

In the early eighteenth century, Jesuit Missionaries brought pear trees from France. They were often planted in groups of 12 to represent the Apostles of Christ. These trees were striking features of the landscape of the area in the 1700s as they could grow over 20 meters high. Descendants of these original trees can be found in various locations around the area, including the Francois Baby House and at the Duff-Baby House in Windsor.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Victoria Beaulieu of Maidstone Bicentennial Museum

This log cabin was built in 1846 by escaped slave John Freeman Walls and his wife Jane King Walls, who rest in the cemetery on the property. John Freeman Walls built a log cabin on this land purchased from the Refugee Home Society, founded by Henry Bibb and Josiah Henson. The cabin served as a terminal of the Underground Railroad.

Although many former slaves returned to the United States following the American Civil War, Walls and his family chose to remain in Canada. The story of their struggles forms the basis of the book "The Road That Led to Somewhere" by Dr. Bryan Walls. Meet descendants of the Underground Railroad as guides on an interactive trip back in time.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Anna Walls and the John Freeman Walls Historic Site

Take a trip back in time at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, the restored 1850s estate of John and Amelia Park. See the workings of a steam engine-powered sawmill, stop by the blacksmith shop, and be sure to visit the smoke house, ice house and barn. Take some time for a scenic walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a seasonal hands-on experience to learn about pioneer life. In the spring and summer, you can visit our garden planted with heirloom crops, flowers and vegetables. The house and farm buildings of John and Amelia Park are restored to bring the nineteenth century to life. Keep an eye out for various hands-on experiences about pioneer life offered throughout the year.

Amherstburg Navy Yard was constructed in 1796 after British forces vacated Detroit. It was used to construct and repair ships, and was the hub of the British Naval presence on the Upper Great Lakes. During the War of 1812, Amherstburg Navy Yard played a significant defensive role as the ships that were built here helped the British control of the area. The park was also used for rope making, which sometimes required sailors to span the entire Town when making the rope! In September 1813, the British set fire to the site to prevent American forces from obtaining the dockyard.

Today, King's Navy Yard Park mirrors that British Navy Yard. It contains four historical buildings and is known for its award-winning gardens.

Information from: Town of Amherstburg & Marsh Historical Collection

This Military Museum features the early history of Kingsville and Veterans who served in the Boer War, WWI, WWII and Afghanistan. Be sure to visit the exhibit honouring the thousands of Indigenous peoples that served in the Canadian forces during World War I. Come and see the many unique artifacts that are on display.

Images & Information from: Kingsville Military Museum

Lighthouse Conservation Area is a 1 hectare property located at the mouth of the Thames River at Lake St. Clair. The lighthouse is over 200 years old and is one of the three oldest on the Great Lakes.

During the War of 1812, the American Army, wishing to cut off the supplies into Canada burned down the Lighthouse. It was rebuilt using local stone. Three generations of direct descendants of explorer Jacques Cartier are noted to have been the keepers of the lighthouse from 1814 to 1950. After Confederation, the lighthouse was extended, and today stands at 53 feet.

Mackenzie Hall is the site of a former courthouse and jail. The original courthouse and goal (jail) was made of wood. Its replacement served the Western District of Upper Canada in 1796 when the British moved across the river from Detroit. It was burned down during the War of 1812 and rebuilt in brick in 1820. Mackenzie Hall was built in 1855-1856 by Alexander Mackenzie, who became the second Prime Minister of Canada. Until 1963, it served as the Essex County Court House.

Now Mackenzie Hall is a cultural centre offering performing arts space, galleries and meeting rooms. Be sure to check out the artist designed chandelier in the main staircase by Joseph DeAngelis. This "Lampo Pazzo" (crazy light) is sound activated. For more information on Mackenzie Hall, visit the Sandwich Walking Tour.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: City of Windsor

Be sure to visit the exhibit on the Aboriginal Contributions to the War of 1812, and the Heritage Native Gardens. The Gardens are home to many species of plants, trees and shrubs used as Indigenous medicines. The Maidstone Bicentennial Museum also showcases a small 3 Sister Garden complete with the 3 Sister Legend. The Three Sisters are corn, beans, and squash, and have been planted by traditional Native American gardeners in many different regions of North America. These three plants form a companion planting ecosystem where each plant helps the others grow.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Maidstone Bicentennial Museum

This statue honours the legacy of the pioneering abolitionist, teacher, and author Mary Ann Shadd Cary, who, in 1994, was designated a Person of National Historic Significance in Canada. She came to Windsor in 1850 where she worked as a teacher. In 1853, She became the first Black woman in North America to publish a weekly newspaper when she established "The Provincial Freeman", which championed abolitionism. She was also an activist for numerous causes including the abolition of slavery, temperance, women's rights, and education. Mary Ann Shadd Cary later decided to return to the United States, where she became a recruitment agent for the Union Army during the Civil War. She earned a law degree at Howard University, making her one of the first Black women to complete a law degree in 1883, becoming a civil rights lawyer. She also became the first Black woman to vote in a national election.

Her statue sits on the former site of the Windsor Star, the local newspaper.

Images Courtesy of: Christopher Lawrence Menard
Information from: University of Windsor & Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

This historic neighbourhood was established during the mid-nineteenth century as African American freedom seekers and free people of colour crossed the Detroit River in search of refuge. After the conclusion of the American Civil War brought the Underground Railroad era to an end, Windsor’s Black population continued to increase as families and individuals of African descent from rural areas of Southwestern Ontario moved into the Corridor to seek employment. For more information, visit the visit the McDougall Corridor Tour.

A monument at the corner of Elliott Street and Goyeau Avenue commemorates the Windsor Collegiate (later J.C. Patterson Collegiate Institute) which served the residence of the Corridor for over a century. The institute, seen in the video, was closed in 1973 and demolished a few years later.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor
Information from: McDougall Street Corridor Tour

Hiram Walker built the Lake Erie and Detroit River Railway in the late 1800s to connect his distillery in Walkerville with southern Essex County. This route for the transportation of both people and goods aided in the development of the region.

Walker extended his presence throughout the county by creating a mammoth summer hotel that brought both Detroiters and locals to Kingsville. Detroit architects Mason and Rice were commissioned to design the building, and the project was completed by April 1889.

While the hotel is no longer standing, the train station built by Hiram Walker remains. Today you will find Mettawas Station Italian Mediterranean Grill. Be sure to try the award winning Trainwreck Sandwich. The railway tracks have been removed, and the route has been mostly converted into the Chrysler Canada Greenway trail system.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives

Windsor’s premier museum featuring permanent exhibits on the history of the Windsor area, temporary exhibits, the Original Peoples Culture & Legacy exhibit, a state-of-the-art Children’s Gallery, and a gift shop with local wares. Visit us online for info on current exhibits.

Be sure to take advantage of the joint admission rate and visit both the Chimczuk Museum and Art Windsor Essex.

Built in 1798 for Scottish fur trader Alexander Duff, the Duff-Baby House tells the story of Canada’s early history in microcosm. This House’s orientation towards the river recalls early fur trade, transportation routes and settlement patterns. During the War of 1812, Shawnee Leader Tecumseh met with British allies in the Dining Room of this stately Georgian house; later General William Henry Harrison [later President Harrison] made it the American headquarters in the latter part of the war. In the early 1830s, the house served as refuge for a man who had escaped slavery from Kentucky. For three quarters of the 20th century, it served as a private residence for Dr. Beasley, who was Sandwich’s Town Physician. In 1979, the house was sold to the Ontario Heritage Trust.

This historic building is open to the public monthly. Be sure to stop in for a tour. For more information, events and open times, see the Facebook page, Les Amis Duff-Baby.

Information Courtesy of: Les Amis Duff-Baby & Museum Windsor
Information from: Les Amis Duff-Baby

The François Baby House is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and features exhibitions highlighting aspects of Windsor's history that were important to the history of this house: Windsor’s French Roots, the War of 1812, and Windsor and the 1838 Rebellion.

The François Baby House is an historic residence that was owned by the prominent local politician François Baby. This French-Canadian house has historical ties to the War of 1812 where it was occupied by American Brigadier General William Hull shortly after the outbreak of the War. Later, it was used as headquarters for the British forces in the same war.

The Baby farm was originally a ribbon, or French strip farm - a long, narrow lot of land that ran perpendicular to the river. This layout gave all farms access to the water, which was important for farming and for transportation. Many of the original family names can be seen as street names through LaSalle, Windsor, Tecumseh and Lakeshore.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive
Information from: Museum Windsor

New Canaan was southeast of the Town of McGregor near County Road 15 and 12. The settlement began around the 1820s with numerous individuals coming from the U.S. escaping slavery via the Underground Railway and resettling in the new “Black [sic] Settlement” of New Canaan named after Abraham’s Promised Land in the Bible. "Canaan" was also reportedly a code word for Canada on the Underground Railway.

By 1840 New Canaan was a community of about 20 families who made their living mostly from farming and lumbering. The American Missionary Association School was located in New Canaan before closing in 1859. Today, this area is comprised of farmland. Access to this cemetery from County Road 12 is via a 22-foot right-of-way.

Images Courtesy of: Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Archives
Information from: The Park House Museum & Town of Essex

Olinda was a village built on the prosperity that came from the discovery of bog ore in 1826. By the 1840s, the bog ore was over-mined, jobs were unavailable, and the village languished. While the village is no longer there, you can view the bog ore’s furnace and foundry at John R. Park Homestead, and the reinstalment of the clay post office resides at the Canadian Transportation Museum.

Considered part of the Town of Ruthven today, please respect private property when you visit.

Images Courtesy of Windsor Public Library & Museum Windsor
Information from: Windsor Public Library

Assumption is the oldest continuous Roman Catholic parish in Ontario. Its roots go back to 1701, when explorer Antoine Laumet de Lamothe Cadillac founded Detroit. He invited several First Nations tribes to live near the French Fort Ponchartrain du Détroit, including remnants of the Hurons and the Wyandottes whose ancestors had been Christianised by the Jesuits in Huronia. The 'Mission of the Assumption among the Hurons of Detroit’ was established by the Roman Catholic Church. After several French families living in the area requested a parish, the previously established mission became the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in 1767, and served the Hurons and the French settlers.

The cornerstone of the present church was laid on July 7, 1842, on land donated by the Huron nation. The first service, in 1845, was in a rectangular structure that forms the nave of the current edifice. The present-day church, designed by Detroit architect Robert (Richard) Thomas Elliot, was built in the Gothic Revival style. Note the buttresses, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and spire. Inside is a beautiful wooden pulpit, a rare surviving example in Ontario of Indigenous French-Canadian carving.

The City of Windsor and the Ontario Heritage Trust have designated Assumption Church as a historical building.

Images Courtesy of: Windsor Public Library

Historically, the Park House is an early example of Pièce sur Pièce log construction and is said to have been built in the 1790s - making it the oldest building in the area. Originally, the home was located at the mouth of the Rouge River in Detroit. After the American Revolution, the owners -British Loyalists- dismantled the home and floated it down the Detroit River by canoe to Amherstburg. The Park family purchased the home in the 1830’s and owned the home for over 100 years.

Today, the Park House Museum offers curriculum-based field trips and general tours, and hosts a variety of hands-on activities, exhibits, events, and ghost tours. Be sure to visit the Tinsmiths and watch them as they make their beautiful tinware.

Information from: Park House Museum

The museum houses a superb collection of island treasures. Focusing on Pelee Island’s human and natural history, exhibits include our geology, early Paleo-Indian culture, crossing the ice, wine history, shipwrecks, and much more. Open seasonally from May – October.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Pelee Island Heritage Centre

Point Pelee National Park is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Miami peoples. Archeological evidence indicates that First Nations had summertime settlements around Point Pelee’s marsh as early as 600 CE. The marsh’s aquatic life and wild rice provided them with food, as did the deer in the forest and the nuts from the black walnut and butternut trees. Take a walk on the Marsh Boardwalk at Point Pelee National Park and enjoy one of the few large marshes left in the Great Lakes system.

Founded in 1918, Point Pelee National Park allows visitors to explore the southernmost point of mainland Canada. Enjoy walking and cycling trails, paddling, birding, swimming and more. Approximately 300 species of warblers & songbirds migrate through this park annually, making it a prime destination for birders.  Be sure to take a photo at the '42', which is also the approximate latitude of Rome, Barcelona and northern California.

DeLaurier House illustrates the life and times of a small French-Canadian community outside Québec. In the late 1800’s, the marshland was reclaimed, which led to Point Pelee becoming one of Canada’s finest agricultural areas.

Images Courtesy of: Point Pelee National Park & Museum Windsor
Information From: Point Pelee National Park

Prosperity Place, by the Windsor Port Authority, shows the history of the port through plaques, murals and sculpture. Storyboards depict trade and commerce along the river and sculptures tell of early Indigenous presence and freighter history.

Be sure to check out the 8,000 pound steel anchor from the John Adams, a former Great Lakes freighter.

Information From: Windsor Port Authority

The Puce River Community owed its existence largely to the Refugee Home Society, an abolitionist organization led by Henry and Mary Bibb, that offered support to Freedom Seekers by providing opportunities for land ownership and self-sufficiency. Beginning in 1852, families purchased 25-acre farms in Sandwich and Maidstone Townships from the Society, which also set aside a portion of lands for the construction of schools and churches. Forged in freedom, this thriving farm community produced descendants who live across North America.

Information provided by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

Here you will find a plaque commemorating the Siege of Detroit. The Odawa (Ottawa) chief Pontiac was born around 1720 somewhere along the Detroit River. By the 1760’s, he was an influential leader in the Detroit area through the Seven Years War -also know as the French and Indian War (1754-1763).

In 1761, the British built a fort in Ohio, despite assurances that no forts would be built in the area. Resentment grew further due to restrictions put on access to gunpowder an ammunition. By April of 1763, Pontiac swore destruction of the British. In May of 1763, he led a surprise uprising against the British at Detroit, which failed when the British learned of the attack. He and his forces later returned and laid siege to Fort Detroit.

Pontiac gathered members of the Potawatomi, Huron, Ojibwe, and Odawa nations, among others, to prepare a coordinated attack on multiple British Forts – including Detroit. These attacks are known as Pontiac’s War. The Siege of Fort Detroit was a five-month long siege in the summer and fall of 1763. While his siege on Detroit failed, many of the attacks made on other regional outposts by members of this alliance did succeed.

Enjoy the beautiful flowers and topiaries displayed at Coventry Gardens with the scenic Detroit skyline in the distance.

Information From: Archeologic and Heritage Sites of Ontario

In the War of 1812, River Canard was the site of the first engagement in Canada involving British and American forces in significant numbers. This outpost was attacked by American Colonel Louis Cass on July 16, 1812. The British fell back and the Americans abandoned the position the following day. A number of skirmishes followed later after the British returned.

Information From: Ontario Heritage Foundation

A Nootkon Native, Wikinanish, worked for over 14 months to create this beautiful Totem Pole. Painted red cedar, it is 15.24m (50') high. The red cedar log is from the area of British Colombia where the Nootka peoples live. In 1982, the Rotary Club of Windsor – St. Clair assisted in funding the creation of the Sandpoint Beach Totem Pole.

Totem poles are monuments created by First Nations of the Pacific Northwest to represent and commemorate ancestry, histories, people, or events. They are built to be visible within a community. Most totem poles display beings or animals that mark a family’s lineage. They document stories and histories of communities or family members.

Images and Information Courtesy of: City of Windsor

The Sandwich First Baptist Church, a National Historic Site, built in the mid 1800’s, is one of Canada's oldest active black churches. The focal point for many anti-slavery activities, they received, sheltered, and assisted new Canadians arriving on the Underground Railroad. The original structure was built by members of the congregation using local materials including clay from the Detroit River.

Bounty hunters were often employed to track and return freedom seekers to the South. When a bounty hunter was seen in the area of the Sandwich First Baptist Church a bell was rung. Every person who heard the ringing of the bell would ring another bell to warn all of those who had escaped from the South to hide in a designated spot in the church. The pastor would lock the door, and when all the freedom seekers were hidden away, he would instruct his church to start singing "There’s a Stranger at the Door" and the church doors would be opened. Unable to find whoever they were looking for; the bounty hunter would leave empty handed.

Today, the church still stands at its original location, be sure to call and book a tour.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor.
Information Provided by: Sandwich Walking Tour & the Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Tecumseh, Shawnee War Chief was a charismatic leader, an orator and a respected war chief of the Shawnee Peoples of Ohio. He was born in 1768, and by 1799, he was made spokesman in great councils in Ohio. In 1811, Tecumseh tried to negotiate with the American government to stop western expansion into native lands. He formed a confederacy of native tribes and represented their interests. In June 1812, Tecumseh arrived at Fort Malden in Amherstburg to join his cause with the British in the War of 1812. Tecumseh’s vision for a Confederacy of Native Peoples to stand united was pivotal in the defense of British in the War of 1812.

In the War of 1812 he joined British forces for the capture of Detroit and the invasion of Ohio. After the loss of the Battle of Lake Erie, the entire western peninsula of Upper Canada was in danger of falling into enemy hands. Major General Henry Procter decided to retreat up the River Thames. It was in the Battle of the Themes, on October 5, 1813, that Tecumseh was killed. His body was carried from the field and buried secretly.

The sculpture was carved by local artist Heather Mallaby and sponsored by the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation. Other images of Tecumseh can be seen in the video below.

Images Courtesy of: Lossings Pictoral Field Book & C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive

Established in 1846, St. Mary’s is the first Church built inland in the County of Essex. The Hamlets of Maidstone and Oldcastle along the Talbot Trail began as Irish Settlements around 1824.  Located on densely forested and swampy land, they were the first European settlements of the interior of Essex County. These communities have a deep agricultural heritage, and today, farming remains the primary land use, with many residents tracing their roots back to the original immigrants.  The large Celtic Cross was erected to commemorate the Irish immigrants who built the Church.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Sandwich South Historical Society

Built overlooking the Detroit River in 1798 by George Sharp, a Scottish merchant, the Gordon House is the oldest building originally built in Amherstburg. It was originally a fur trading post and warehouse, and served as home to a general during the War of 1812. The Gordon House has also been used as an infirmary. Now it is home to Visit Amherstburg.

Images & Information Courtesy of: Town of Amherstburg

Part of an ancient network of native paths, the Great Sauk Trail extended from Rock Island in present-day Illinois to the Detroit River. It played a significant role in the relationships and communications between the Indigenous people in the Upper Mississippi Valley and the British Indian Department in this region, particularly following the American Revolution. For four decades, pro-British tribes made annual pilgrimages along the trail to Fort Malden. Here they met with British officials and participated in gift-giving ceremonies reaffirming their alliance.

This commemorative structure of a grist windmill was erected in 1992. It would have used wind power for grinding grain, like wheat or corn, into flour or cornmeal. In the 18th century, there were many wind-powered grist mills from Tecumseh to LaSalle. The many mills throughout Ontario attracted more settlers and merchants were vital to economic expansion.

Information from: Herb Colling, Town of LaSalle

Founded in 1866 on Pelee Island, Vin Villa remains the most historically significant winery in North America. It is Canada’s first commercial winery, first Canadian winery to make champagne, and first winery in North America to win worldwide recognition.

The ornate cellar chandelier is 48 ft long and is sculpted from copper and steel grapevines that appear to grow out of the stone ceiling and walls. You can book a tour of Vin Villa through Pelee Island Adventures.

Information from: Vin Villa

The Town of Walkerville was cultivated by Hiram Walker, an industrial entrepreneur, who acquired the lands in 1856 and relocated his now world famous Canadian Club distillery from Detroit. The town experienced immense prosperity, allowing the addition of a post office, homes, a railway line, and even its own currency! Canadian Club Distillery played a significant role in the bootlegging of liquor during the 1920s, and had ties to the Purple Gang in Detroit, as well as Al Capone in Chicago.

The larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Hiram Walker on the corner of Devonshire Road was created by Mark and Laura Williams and cast in bronze by John Vickers.

The larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Hiram Walker on the corner of Devonshire Road was created by Mark and Laura Williams and cast in bronze by John Vickers. For more information on the area, try the Walkerville Walking Tour.

Images Courtesy of: Museum Windsor & Windsor Public Library
Information from: Walkerville Walking Tour and City of Windsor

Waters Edge Event Centre, formerly Our Lady of the Rosary Church, was built in 1907 as a replacement for Our Lady of the Lake Church that was destroyed by a fire. Initially, it was focused on serving the French-speaking settlers of the area. As Ford City, and the English speaking community became more prominent, tensions rose. In 1917, the bishop, who had strong ties to the English community, appointed a new pastor. The parishioners protested, worried that Fr. Laurendeau was in support of Regulation 17, restricting the teaching of French in schools. Tensions erupted on September 8, 1917. A large crowd gathered to prevent Fr. Laurendeau from entering the church, and when he arrived with a police escort, police used billy clubs to try and clear a path, escalating into the Ford City Riot. Regulation 17 was repealed in 1927.

During prohibition, the church was used as a landmark for rum-runners. Unverified stories claim that Al Capone attended mass at the church, and gifted a large cross to aid the illegal activity. The blue cross was lit as a signal for the rum runners on the Detroit side to bring their boats to the Canadian shore, where a contact would load up the alcohol for them to take back to the U.S.

In 2007, the Diocese of London closed the church. It has since been purchased and converted into the Water's Edge Event Centre.

Willistead Manor was built in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, founder of the world-renowned Canadian Club Distillery. Noted architect Albert Kahn designed the three buildings on the estate in the 16th Century Tudor-Jacobean style. The impressive 36 room interior showcases marble fireplaces and rich wood paneling. The limestone on the exterior of the building (quarried in Amherstburg) was hand-cut on site by stonemasons brought in from Scotland.

Public tours are available at select times during the summer and winter.

Images Courtesy of: C.L. Menard at City of Windsor Cultural Affairs Archive & Museum Windsor
Information from: City of Windsor

The Amherstburg area was once the home of the Wyandotte, Huron, Neutrals, and Petuns who were dispersed by the Iroquois in the 1640’s. Some eventually reunited and settled along the Detroit River, where they became known as the Hurons of Detroit, or Wyandotte. After the fall of New France, the Wyandotte became supporters of the British during the American Revolution although many remained neutral in the War of 1812.

Images Courtesy of: Marsh Historical Collection